Dubai Land Department, Awqaf Dubai to Enhance Property Standards

In a strategic move to bolster the competitiveness and sustainability of Dubai's real estate sector, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has entered into a memorandum of collaboration with the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (Awqaf Dubai). This partnership aims to classify and improve properties within the foundation's portfolio, aligning them with the highest standards in the emirate's real estate market.

The collaboration focuses on evaluating and classifying Awqaf Dubai's properties according to DLD's approved standards. This includes revaluing properties to upgrade their classification following enhancements, thereby increasing their market competitiveness. Additionally, the agreement facilitates inquiry services for lands and properties belonging to deceased individuals, minors, and those under similar legal status, ensuring access to all related documents.

Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at DLD, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “Our collaboration with the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships among government entities in the emirate, serving the public interest, and supporting Dubai’s vision of becoming a global model in real estate management, including the management of endowment properties.”

Khalid Al Thani, Deputy Secretary General of Awqaf Dubai, highlighted the foundation's dedication to strategic cooperation: “The collaboration with the Dubai Land Department reflects the Foundation’s commitment to enhancing opportunities for strategic cooperation, contributing to inclusivity and sustainability in foundation operations.”

Under this memorandum, designated personnel from Awqaf Dubai's Inheritance Department will gain access to DLD's Ejari valuation system to verify rental contracts related to deceased individuals, minors, and others under similar legal status. The shared system between the two entities will also be enhanced to streamline processes such as cancellation studies, registration requests, endowment registration, and land valuation requests.

DLD's Building Classification Project, central to this initiative, evaluates properties based on five key criteria: engineering and technical standards, sustainability, documentation, health and safety, and management and finance. Each building receives a star rating from 1 to 4, with an additional 4+ rating for those meeting the highest standards of green sustainability. This classification considers various factors, including available facilities and maintenance quality, to ensure properties meet the evolving demands of the market.

This collaboration signifies a concerted effort to promote real estate sustainability, enhance service quality, and support Dubai's vision of building a brighter future for generations to come.​